Grilled Shrimp Foil Packets with Garlic and Herbs
Juicy shrimp cooked in foil packets with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, locking in flavor and moisture for an easy grilled seafood dinner. This seafood-inspired grilling ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, garlic cloves, minced, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 4 sheets (12x12 inches each) aluminum foil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Toss to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Tear 4 sheets of aluminum foil, each about 12x12 inches, and divide the shrimp mixture evenly onto the center of each sheet.
- Step 3: Fold the foil over the shrimp to create sealed packets, folding edges tightly to trap steam.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium heat (around 375°F). Place foil packets on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, until shrimp are opaque and firm.
- Step 5: Carefully open packets to avoid steam, then serve the shrimp directly from foil with a sprinkle of extra parsley if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Shrimp Foil Packets with Garlic and Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grilled Shrimp Foil Packets with Garlic and Herbs?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep garlic cloves, minced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Shrimp Foil Packets with Garlic and Herbs?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Shrimp Foil Packets with Garlic and Herbs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Shrimp Foil Packets with Garlic and Herbs?
Seafood grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
